BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Malaita Christian Care Center (MCCC) has reported shocking cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly domestic violence and sexual abuse, being received at the center in Auki. Almost every week, the center receives cases, indicating that domestic violence is prevalent in the province and necessitates concrete steps to address the issue.
Speaking at the launch of the 16-days-activism campaign in Auki yesterday, a former PPC of Malaita and a member of MCCC, Mr. Solomon Sisimia, shared some insights into the cases cared for at the center. He mentioned that just recently, a 10-year-old girl who was raped was brought to the center. There were other similar cases, and the striking thing is that the situation is escalating.
“We receive victims of domestic and sexual violence almost every week. The shocking thing is that some of these victims were sexually abused by their own parents or close relatives,” Sisimia stated. “This is beyond what a decent human being can comprehend, and it shows that nowhere is safe for women and girls in our society.”
“It is a sad situation, and it needs to stop. In order to stop it, everyone must work together to fight against it,” he demanded.
Based on MCCC’s findings, these acts of violence have been occurring in homes and communities in the province, with many cases going unreported. Sisimia stressed that these are crimes, and people must not wait until the situation becomes more serious before reporting them. “Report any act of violence to the police,” he urged.
He also noted that almost all of the victims (cases) received at MCCC were women and girls, clearly showing that men are the perpetrators of these acts of violence.
Sisimia strongly emphasized the need for collective effort to address the issue, while urging everyone to recognize and respect the rights of women and girls. He said that although MCCC was established to provide care for victims of GBV, it should not be seen as the only place for such victims. “In order to make a real impact, everyone must take up the fight against GBV,” he added.
Sisimia acknowledged the other safenet partners in Auki for working together to ensure that victims of GBV receive support and that their rights are protected.
